TORONTO — In a surprising turn of events at the National Bank Open on Friday, top-seeded Coco Gauff was ousted from the tournament after a 6-4, 6-1 defeat to 14th-seeded Diana Shnaider. The match, played in windy conditions at Sobeys Stadium, saw the 20-year-old American struggle with her timing and consistency, as she prepares for her upcoming U.S. Open title defense.
Gauff, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, was broken at a crucial moment in the first set, trailing 5-4. The pressure mounted in the second set when she double-faulted at 2-1, allowing Shnaider to seize control and hold serve to extend her lead to 4-1. Gauff’s performance was marred by unforced errors and double faults, as she admitted, “I just wasn’t finding my timing well… She played steady and didn’t give me any free points.”
This tournament marked Gauff’s first hard-court event since April, and while she questioned her decision to compete in Toronto, she acknowledged the need to test herself. “I didn’t have high expectations, but I wish I could have competed better today, even if it resulted in a loss,” she said.
Shnaider, also 20, capitalized on Gauff’s struggles and sealed the victory with another break, setting up a quarterfinal match against No. 6 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who earlier defeated Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-4. Reflecting on her victory, Shnaider expressed her excitement, saying, “I tried to play it cool, but inside I was like, ‘Yes! I made it!’”
In other action, defending champion Jessica Pegula secured her place in the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-4 win over qualifier Ashlyn Krueger. Pegula, the third seed from Buffalo, New York, took advantage of Krueger’s nine double faults and will next face Peyton Stearns, who advanced after No. 12 seed Victoria Azarenka retired due to a thigh injury.
Additionally, Taylor Townsend delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over fourth-seeded Jelena Ostapenko, while No. 8 Emma Navarro outlasted No. 11 Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 7-5 to set up a quarterfinal showdown between the two Americans. Amanda Anisimova also advanced, benefiting from No. 10 seed Anna Kalinskaya’s retirement due to dizziness after taking the first set 6-2. Anisimova will face Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals after the No. 2 seed defeated Katie Boulter 6-3, 6-3 in the late match.
With Gauff’s early exit, the tournament continues to unfold with intense matchups as players vie for the prestigious title in Toronto.
